For the past 18 months we have had the privilege of getting to know Fr Joel Boco.

He came to New Zealand from the Philippines on a three-year contract and was originally posted to The cathedral parish in Palmerston North.

In October 2010 he came to work in the small rural parish comprising St Joseph’s in Waipukurau including its primary school, and St Patrick’s in Waipawa and has had a profound effect.

During his time there have been 22 baptisms and he visited the school every week delighting the children by giving them lollies after Mass.

He would travel far and wide to celebrate Mass whenever a group of parishioners asked and held many functions in the presbytery, welcoming many into his home for cups of tea.

On Sunday April 22 we farewelled Fr Joel with a Mass. Emeritus Bishop Owen Dolan concelebrated with him and Brothers Nathaniel and Ferdinand (also from the Philippines). It was both a happy and sad occasion.